John Davis - Seize the Reckless Wind

The Chinese said: ‘But how can you do it without an airship yet?’ Mahoney groaned. The Chinese smiled: ‘We will consider everything.’ He added: ‘In Peking.’ Then: ‘Maybe it is better if you build your airships in China?’

Mahoney was taken aback. In China? In a communist factory? The Chinese said, ‘Then we could see it.’

Mahoney’s mind was racing. The ramifications were enormous. As if on cue all three stood up. ‘Thank you,’ the official said. ‘We will write. Ho choi , good luck.’

Outside, the stone lions guarding the bank stood at revolutionary attention. Mahoney and Malcolm walked between them, then round the corner into Statue Square. Ahead was the mighty Hongkong & Shanghai Bank, the big black lions guarding its portals imperialistically recumbent.

‘What do you think, Malcolm?’

‘What is the sound of one hand clapping?’ Malcolm said.

Maybe it wasn’t so easy for Onassis, either.

In the British Natural History Museum you can find out everything about this plant. With their geological maps, books and atlases you can find out all the proven sites of precious minerals. In the Department of Mines of Canberra and in Ottawa, anybody can, on payment of a search-fee, and with patience, find out registered owners of the mining rights.

‘My doctor tol’ me I could only drink wine,’ Tank O’Sullivan mumbled through his big mouthful of curry. ‘So that’s all I drink.’

‘All day,’ his wife sighed.

‘Tol’ me to quit with the whisky,’ Tank explained reasonably to Mahoney and Malcolm, ‘so now I only drink wine.’

‘All day …’

‘Hey, what’s ’at?’ Tank jabbed with his fork at a passing waiter. ‘I wan’ some o’ that!’

‘That’s the sweet trolley, Tank,’ Malcolm said.

‘Waiter, c’mere!’ Tank shouted. His hand shot out and grabbed a chocolate eclair. He opened his mouth full of curry and chomped. (‘Tank, dear … ,’ his wife said.) ‘C’mere, waiter!’ Tank’s big hand grabbed a fruit salad, up-ended it over his curry. ‘An’ some more of this!’ He held up his wine tankard.

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